EVERETT — Local tourism received a $600,000 grant from Snohomish County this week.
The county announced the recipients of grants from the 2% tax on hotel and motel room rentals throughout Snohomish County through the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's Hotel and Motel Small Fund. The 39 organizations receiving funding include cities, museums, and other public and private organizations.
Trudy Soriano, the county's tourism promotion regional coordinator, said the small amount of funding could be a barometer of how well the county's tourism industry is doing. He said the county received about $100,000 less in benefits last year than the year before.
He said the small fund had hovered at just under $500,000 for the past few years.
Taxes and subsidies “put money back into the community and support our tourism partners,” which she views as a “return on investment” as the tourism industry bounces back after the pandemic, Soriano said. Stated.
Visitors to Snohomish County bring in $1.45 billion locally and 15,105 jobs were created through visits in 2022, according to a county press release.
Sports and outdoor groups received a big boost. More than $131,000 went to sports leagues and outdoor recreation. About $160,000 was donated to arts organizations, historical societies, museums and theaters. Festivals and events benefited from most of the remaining grants.
Some of the largest grants include:
Snohomish Youth Soccer: $50,000
…for the Snohomish United Bigfoot Tournament. This event brings together U8 to U19 boys and girls soccer teams from across the West to participate in his four-day tournament at Stocker Field in Snohomish.
Port of Everett: $47,000
…For the Winter Festival at Waterfront Place. Last year's Holiday on the Bay event featured food trucks, pop-up markets and crafts at Pacific Rim Plaza.
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance: $45,000
…Toward the Advance 2024 Annual Conference. This year's conference, held on February 5th, brought together aerospace experts for discussion panels and networking.
Shack Art Center: $35,250
…to promote programming. The center, located in downtown Everett, supports and exhibits “contemporary art that focuses on social justice issues, celebrates diverse cultures, and brings nontraditional art to the public,” the center says. It is stated on the website.
“This investment will help enrich our community by attracting tourists, supporting emerging artists, and driving economic growth,” Raydre Albarn, Shack Art Center director of development and education, said in a press release. said.
Village Theater: $30,000
… Mainstage performances will be held at the Everett Performing Arts Center throughout 2024.
City of Monroe: $30,000
…About the sky and snow adventure guide. This magazine features businesses and organizations throughout Sky Valley.
Seattle Metro JO: $25,000
…for the 2024 USA Softball Western Nationals. The Snohomish County Sports Commission is working closely with Metro JO to arrange accommodations for the tournament. The Sports Commission is part of the Snohomish County Tourism Authority.
Between 60 and 70 teams from all over the Western United States and as far away as Texas are expected to participate. This tournament serves as the Western Region Championship.
“We're rolling out the red carpet,” said Tammy Dunn, executive director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission.
Dunn expects the event to draw an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people, with a total of about 3,300 people staying at the hotel. The event will use three of his ballparks: Meadowdale at Lynnwood; Phil Johnson of Everett; and Kash Park in Everett. The Sports Commission helped secure these locations last year.
Dunn said hosting the event won't bring people to Snohomish County just once.
“Maybe I'll come back again,” she said.
Snohomish County Conservation Department: $20,000
…for data analysis. Megan Jordan, county natural resources spokeswoman, said in an email that the county is considering how Evergreen State Fair Park generates “paid lodging” associated with the park. said in an email. This funding will help you identify which events are generating the most nights, which events are generating the longest stays, and other data points to compete for more funding. Helpful.
“Tourism is a core part of Snohomish County's economy, and many families rely on visitor spending to make a living,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said in a press release. “People come from all over the world to explore our beautiful and diverse natural resources, thriving small business community, and innovative aerospace sector. These grants will help increase visitor numbers and encourage more “It will allow our community to sustainably explore this unique county, which has charm like no other.”
Other notable recipients include:
• JAKT Foundation: $25,000
• Arlington Fly-In: $18,750
• Snohomish Wedding Guild: $15,000
• Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival: $10,000
• Space 802 Charity: $10,000
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @Jordie Hansen.
